INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIR-
ING APPLIANCES CONTAIN-
ING R290
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
CHECKS TO THE AREA
- Prior to beginning work on systems containing
flammable refrigerants, safety checks are nec-
essary to ensure that the risk of ignition is mi-
nimised. For repair to the refrigerating system,
the following precautions shall be complied with
prior to con-ducting work on the system.
WORK PROCEDURE
- Work shall be undertaken under a controlled
procedure so as to minimise the risk of a flam-
mable gas or vapour being present while the
work is being performed.
GENERAL WORK AREA
- All maintenance staff and others working in
the local area shall be instructed on the nature
of work being carried out. Work in confined
spaces shall be avoided. The area around the
workspace shall be sectioned off. Ensure that
the conditions within the area have been made
safe by control of flammable material.
CHECKING FOR PRESENCE OF REFRIGERANT
- The area shall be checked with an appropriate
refrigerant detector prior to and during work,
to ensure the technician is aware of potentially
flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak
tection equipment being used is suitable for use
with flammable refrigerants, i.e. nonsparking,
adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
PRESENCE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- If any hot work is to be conducted on the
refrigeration equipment or any associated parts,
propriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be
available to hand. Have a dry powder or CO 2
fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
NO IGNITION SOURCES
- No person carrying out work in relation to a
refrigeration system which involves exposing
any pipe work that contains or has contained
flammable refrigerant shall use any sources
of ignition in such a manner that it may lead to
the risk of fire or explosion. All possible ignition
sources, including igarette smoking, should
be kept sufficiently far away from the site of
installation, repairing, removing and disposal,
during which flammable refrigerant can possibly
be released to the surrounding space. Prior to
work taking place, the area around the equip-
ment is to be surveyed to make sure that there
are no flammable hazards or ignition risks. "No
Smoking" signs shall be displayed.
VENTILATED AREA
- Ensure that the area is in the open or that it is
adequately ventilated before breaking into the
system or conducting any hot work. A degree of
ventilation shall continue during the period that
the work is carried out. The ventilation should
safely disperse any released refrigerant and
preferably expel it externally into the atmo-
sphere.
CHECKS TO THE REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT
- Where electrical components are being
changed, they shall be fit for the purpose
and to the correct specification. At all times
the manufacturer's maintenance and service
guidelines shall be followed. If in doubt consult
the manufacturer's technical department for as-
sistance.The following checks shall be applied
to installations using flammable refrigerants: the
charge size is in accordance with the room size
within which the refrigerant containing parts are
installed; the ventilation machinery and outlets
are operating adequately and are not obstruct-
ed; if an indirect refrigerating circuit is being
used, the secondary circuit shall be checked
for the presence of refrigerant; marking to the
equipment continues to be visible and legible.
Markings and signs that are illegible shall be
corrected; refrigeration pipe or components are
installed in a position where they are unlikely
to be exposed to any substance which may
corrode refrigerant containing components,
unless the components are constructed of
materials which are inherently resistant to being
corroded or are suitably protected against being
so corroded.
CHECKS TO ELECTRICAL DEVICES
- Repair and maintenance to electrical compo-
nents shall include initial safety checks and
component inspection procedures. If a fault
exists that could compromise safety, then no
electrical supply shall be connected to the
circuit until it is satisfactorily dealt with. If the
fault cannot be corrected immediately but it is
necessary to continue operation, an adequate
temporary solution shall be used. This shall be
reported to the owner of the equipment so all
parties are advised.
- Initial safety checks shall include: that capac-